Two rare Javan rhino calves spotted in Indonesia

One of the two rare Javan rhino calves caught on camera in Indonesia, which has raised hopes for the future of the species
One of the two rare Javan rhino calves caught on camera in Indonesia, which has raised hopes for the future of the species.

Two Javan rhinoceros calves have been spotted at an Indonesian national park, offering a rare sighting of one of the world's most endangered mammals.

The pair—ranging in age from three months to one year—were caught on footage snapped by camera traps in March at Ujung Kulon , the environment ministry said.

On the westernmost tip of Java island, Ujung Kulon is the last remaining wild habitat for Javan rhinos.

After years of population decline, there are believed to be just 73 of the rare mammals at the sanctuary, which comprises some 5,100 hectares (12,600 acres) of lush rainforest and freshwater streams.

Javan rhinos have folds of loose skin giving them the appearance of wearing armour plating.

They once numbered in the thousands across Southeast Asia, but have been hard hit by rampant poaching and human encroachment on their habitats.

© 2021 AFP

Citation: Two rare Javan rhino calves spotted in Indonesia (2021, June 14) retrieved 26 April 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2021-06-rare-javan-rhino-calves-indonesia.html
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Two endangered Javan rhino calves spotted in Indonesian park

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